WILL YOUR CHILDREN OWN THEIR GENES?

Written by Candas Emcioglu

Continued from page 1

In many hospitals today, patients, who need to have certain tests done to see if they have a specific gene or a genetic disposition for certain diseases, have to pay a royalty fee to patent-holding company for that specific gene being scanned. For many, having to pay a “fee” to have a “gene scan” of “their own genes” is unacceptable. Although medical technology will soon have capacity to screen thousands of genes and genetic predispositions in near future, offering a vast selection of new cures and solutions to various diseases, there is also no doubt that some will use patens to literally extort money from those of us in need of a cure.

If you are diagnosed with a rare cancer and need to be treated with a special type of protein that facilitates growth of a certain anticancer agent, do not be surprised if you find out that you have to pay a chunky royalty to a company that you have never heard of. You no longer have any rights over your genes or your “own body tissues” as “somebody else” has already claimed intellectual rights to “your” body parts “without” your consent or knowledge.

In future, we all will have to pay our dues to a syndicate of biotech elites to have access to our own genetic heritage. Life has finally become a commodity that is tradable, inheritable and also extremely profitable.

We celebrate Nobel Peace Prizes of Ralph J. Bunche and Martin Luther King; two amicable men dedicated to world peace.

We celebrate athletic prowess of Jesse Owens, racing across finish line at 1936 Olympics; Jackie Robinson, breaking baseball’s color barrier. And wizardry of Michael Jordan, showing world why he was named “the Greatest Athlete of 20th Century.” Similarly, we celebrate brilliance of Venus and Serena Williams, taking tennis to new heights, and beauty of Tiger Woods’ golf stroke; sturdy, on target, an exhibition of immense talent.

That is why we celebrate. To tell our history in our own words, as only African-Americans can do. In observing Black History Month, it is good to focus on actions and accomplishments of dignitaries past and present. However, attention should also focus on lesser known heroes and heroines. We know that were it not for Dr. King, opportunities for African-Americans would be virtually impossible. Similarly, without Harriet Tubman, slaves seeking refuge would not have found solace via Underground Railroad.

But what about those pioneers at local and state level? Those anonymous men and women who paved way, so that future generations could enjoy amenities entitled to all people? Their contributions should not be confined to musty, photo albums and faded newspaper clippings. They too were instrumental in establishing democracy of our modern history, and deserve to be enshrined in scripted walls of immortals. In retrospect, all African-Americans have made impressionable contributions big and small, to dazzling archives that personify Black History.

A freelance writer since 1989, Peggy Butler has written for various magazines and Internet publications including Impact Press, Africana.com., TimBook Tu, and The Black World Today. Moreover, Butler who lists collecting 60s memorabilia among her hobbies, writes news, features, sports and entertainment articles, as well as commentaries and humor pieces. Visit her website at: www.Psbwrite.com